Aflac Data Breach Exposes Personal Data of Over 22 Million Customers

A major data breach at insurance giant Aflac has impacted millions. The company confirmed it is notifying approximately 22.65 million individuals. Their personal information was stolen in a cyberattack earlier this year.The breach involved highly sensitive data, including Social Security numbers. Aflac filed official notifications with state attorneys general this week. This confirms the massive scale of the incident.

Stolen Information Includes Health and Identification Details

The stolen data is extensive and deeply personal. According to filings, it includes full names and dates of birth. Home addresses and government ID numbers were also compromised.Driver’s license and passport numbers were taken. Critically, Social Security numbers and medical information were exposed. Health insurance details were part of the stolen data trove.This combination of data poses severe risks. It can be used for identity theft and medical fraud. Victims may face financial and privacy consequences for years.

Hackers Linked to Notorious Cyber-Criminal Group Targeting Insurance Sector

Aflac indicated the hackers may belong to a known criminal organization. Reports from federal law enforcement and cybersecurity experts support this. The group appears to have specifically targeted the insurance industry.According to industry analysis, the timing points to a group called Scattered Spider. This collective of young, English-speaking hackers was active during the breach. They are known for sophisticated social engineering attacks.Aflac was not the only insurer hit. Companies like Erie Insurance and Philadelphia Insurance Companies also reported breaches. This suggests a coordinated campaign against the sector.The company has not publicly commented beyond the regulatory filings. It states it has around 50 million customers total. The breach, therefore, affected a significant portion of its client base.

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The Aflac data breach highlights the escalating threat to industries holding sensitive personal data. Millions of customers must now vigilantly monitor their accounts and credit reports. This incident underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity defenses across the entire insurance landscape.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

What information was stolen in the Aflac breach?

The hackers stole names, birthdates, addresses, and government IDs. They also took Social Security numbers, medical data, and health insurance information. This is a comprehensive set of highly sensitive personal details.

How many people were affected by this cyberattack?

Aflac is notifying about 22.65 million individuals. This figure comes from the company’s official filing with state authorities. It represents one of the larger breaches reported in the insurance sector recently.

Who was behind the Aflac data breach?

Aflac says the hackers may be part of a known cyber-criminal organization. Evidence suggests the group Scattered Spider may be responsible. This group was actively targeting insurance companies at the time of the incident.

What should affected Aflac customers do now?

Impacted individuals should watch for notification letters from Aflac. They should place fraud alerts on their credit reports and monitor financial accounts closely. Being cautious of phishing emails referencing the breach is also crucial.

Were other insurance companies hacked recently?

Yes, this appears to be part of a broader campaign. Other insurers, including Erie Insurance and Philadelphia Insurance Companies, reported similar breaches. This indicates a coordinated attack on the industry.